FIELD THIS

[Jeff Thorpe]

FIELD THIS

© Jeffrey Thorpe December 2024

How, on flat ground, can anyone stand in a gully?
Have you ever seen someone with a square leg?
What about sighting a short third man,
no, this is not a dream, I differ to beg.

Cricket season’s in full swing, these terms are well known
silly mid on not as ridiculous as it sounds,
cover and deep cover are normal terminology
along with mid-off and mid-on, not at all “out of bounds”.

Fronting a doosra, is this a summer cyclone
and a yorker an accompanying wind?
Those who bat are well-aware of this pair
and in their path are easily chargrined.

Slips are well known, who hasn’t fallen foul through life
yet, three are the usual in this intriguing game,
a full toss part of bowling’s repertoire
while a bouncer can intimidate and maim.

The uninitiated are clearly baffled by this game
which can last for five days without result,
though to millions world wide it fits the bill,
in the subcontinent especially, it’s almost a cult.

So, when you hear of short fine leg or deep cover point
don’t dismiss these idioms as Swahili,
you could, in time, connect the names Bradman and Tendulkur
and understand cricket’s rules, or probably not really.

[alongtimegone]

Ha ha very good Jeff. I've been watching the tests. One to go. Bring it on!
Wazza

[Jeff Thorpe]

Thanks Wazza. The current series Aus. V India has brought Test cricket alive.

Cheers, Jeff

[Shelley Hansen]

When you're out, you're in (the pavilion) - that's cricket! The game of silly mid-off!

Loved your tongue-in cheek summary, Jeff!

Cheers
Shelley

[Jeff Thorpe]

Thank you Shelley. I'm on to tennis next

Regards, Jeff